Owing to their huge specific surface area, high porosity, abundant metal active sites, adjustable structure, and tunable pore diameters, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention from the battery scientists and technologists. MOFs have proven to be versatile precursors of cathode materials for batteries, and MOF-based cathodes have already exhibited excellent electrochemical performances. Herein, we review some recent advances in developing MOF-derived cathodes for lithium-/sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-air batteries, and lithium-selenium batteries. We also describe the synthetic mechanism, characterization of MOF-derived cathodes, and the origin of the enhanced electrochemical performances. Finally, we point out some challenges and opportunities for the future development of MOF-based cathodes.